Feyenoord has signed Raheem Sterling for the rest of the season, ending his time at Chelsea and marking his first transfer abroad.
Following a settlement for the final 18 months of his contract, the 31-year-old England international left Chelsea by mutual consent in January. The settlement reportedly exceeded £300,000 per week.
As a free agent, Sterling considered offers from about 18 clubs in England and Europe.
Under manager Robin van Persie, Feyenoord, currently second in the Eredivisie, acted quickly to finalize the transfer.
“As a free agent, I’ve had, for the first time in a long time, the opportunity to control the next step in my career,” Sterling said. “I wanted to take my time to speak with clubs and their head coaches to better understand the role they envisioned for me and ensure that I can add real value in this next chapter.
“Having spoken in great detail with Robin, I’m confident that Feyenoord is a place I can be happy and establish myself as a valued member of the team.”
Although Feyenoord trails league leaders PSV by 17 points, the club remains in contention for Champions League qualification.
Van Persie welcomed the signing, describing Sterling as “a player whose qualities can change the outcome of a game” and expressing confidence he will strengthen the squad in the second half of the season.
